Toronto Maple Leafs vs Washington Capitals Live Stream Online 12/7/24

Toronto Maple Leafs vs Washington Capitals Live Stream Online 12/7/24

🔊Who will come out on top in the battle of the Eastern Conference leaders? Toronto has decisively taken the reins of control in the Eastern Conference. The Canadian club has suffered only one defeat in its last eight matches and is currently just a step away from the top spot, occupied by their upcoming opponent. Washington, on the other hand, is not only holding its ground without its captain but also achieving success.

Head-to-Head

The opponents met each other in mid-November. Back then, the “Maple Leafs” barely managed to secure a win in the U.S. capital (4:3 OT). The biggest contribution to his team’s eventual success was made by Toronto’s captain John Tavares, who provided an assist and scored the winning puck in overtime.

Toronto

The “Maple Leafs” remain committed to a defensive playing model, but have now added the much-discussed offensive activity. Craig Berube has become more lenient towards the impulses of his star forwards. In the last three matches, the team defeated Tampa (5:3), Chicago (4:1), and Nashville (3:2). In each game, the first line played a leading role on the ice, clearly allowed to take more initiative offensively. Ahead is the main test, and a victory will make the home team the sole leaders of the conference.

Washington

The capital club has not lost confidence due to the absence of its captain. Alexander Ovechkin has been sidelined for two weeks due to injury but has resumed on-ice training. Without their mental leader, the “Capitals” have secured four consecutive victories and found themselves at the top of the Eastern Conference standings. Almost all of Spencer Carbery’s team’s games have been rich in dangerous moments and scored pucks. They are clearly seeking happiness in attack here.

Projected Lineups

Toronto: Woll – Rielly, Ekman-Larsson – Matthews, Tavares, Marner

Washington: Thompson – Carlson, Fehervary – Wilson, Strome, McMichael

Goalkeepers

Toronto’s goalkeeper Joseph Woll entertained the discerning Canadian audience in the match against Nashville. The American let a puck bounce off the boards and into the net. However, this comical goal didn’t break the goalie, and he managed to secure another victory for his teammates. He recorded 22 saves out of 24 shots.

Washington’s goaltender Logan Thompson once again showcased his skills by saving 93.5% of shots on goal in the game against San Jose. However, even these feats did not bring the “Capitals” ultimate success.

Editor’s Prediction

Yes, Toronto has recently preferred minimal victories. However, this time the team will play against a very skilled offense. They won’t get away with minimal effort; they will have to respond blow for blow. This is where the star-studded offense of the Canadian club should fully activate. We expect a rather high-scoring encounter. Our key bet is total over 5.5 pucks.